Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Acnecide 10% w/w Gel
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Benzoyl peroxide may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for
- Acnecide 10% gel contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide which attacks the bacteria (germs) known as Cutibacterium acnes, one of the main causes of acne.
- Your doctor or pharmacist has recommended this medicine to treat your acne. Acne appears as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and spots. Most often, the outbreaks occur on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, and shoulders.
- Acne of the face, chest or back may be treated with this medicine.
What you need to know before you take it
e Acnecide 10% gel Do not use Acnecide 10% gel if you are:
- Allergic (hypersensitive) to benzoyl peroxide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). An allergic reaction may include a rash or itching. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Acnecide 10% gel.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose and other mucous surfaces such as the lining of your nose. If accidental contact should occur, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Acnecide 10% gel should not be applied to damaged skin and infected skin.
- Acnecide 10% gel may cause swelling and blistering of the skin, if any of these symptoms occur, use of the product should be stopped.
- This product may bleach hair and coloured fabrics including clothing, towels and bed linen. Be careful to avoid contact of the gel with these materials. Please make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after you have used it.
- Caution should be exercised when applying Acnecide 10% gel to the neck and other sensitive areas.
- Avoid repeated exposure to sunlight or other sources of UV light (e.g. sun bed) Children and adolescents aged less than 12 years Acnecide 10% gel should not be used by children less than 12 years of age. Other medicines and Acnecide 10% gel Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
- You should not use medicines with peeling, irritant and drying effects at the same time as Acnecide 10% gel.
- Do not use Acnecide 10% gel with any other acne products that are used on the skin, unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you that you can, as this may cause your skin to become red and very sore. Pregnancy and breast-feeding
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or are breast-feeding, do not use this product unless your doctor has told you that you can.
- Avoid using this product if you are breast-feeding unless your doctor has told you otherwise. If your doctor has recommended the use of this product while you are breast-feeding, you must not apply the gel onto your chest, this is to avoid exposure of your child to this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Driving and using machines. Acnecide 10% gel has no or negligible effect on your ability to drive or use machines. Acnecide 10% gel contains propylene glycol. This medicine contains 40 mg of propylene glycol (E1520) per gram, which is equivalent to 4.0% w/w. It may cause skin irritation.
How to take it
Acnecide 10% gel Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- Acnecide 10% gel is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
- Unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you otherwise,
- Wash the affected area with a mild skin cleanser and water, and gently pat your skin dry.
- Apply Acnecide 10% gel in a thin layer once a day to all the affected areas.
- Any drying or peeling which may occur to your skin may be reduced if you alter the number of times you apply, i.e. to once every two days, until your skin adjusts to the product.
- You should try to avoid exposure to strong sunlight while using Acnecide 10% gel. If exposure is unavoidable, use a sun protection product with a protection factor of at least SPF 30 and UVA protection and apply Acnecide 10% gel in the evening. Remember to wash the affected area before use.
- How long you will have to use Acnecide 10% gel will depend on how quickly your condition improves. After you have used it for one month, you should see your doctor or pharmacist again, who can check the improvement of your skin condition. Please note that excessive application will not improve effectiveness, but may increase the risk of skin irritation.
Product code: P202640-0 Product description: ACNECIDE 10 GEL 30 Market: GB Article: Leaflet Flat size: 180×315 Font size: 9 pt Fold size: 180×26,25 Pharmacode: 2675
PMS 432U
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Guillaume ANDRÉ INDUSTRIALIZATION DEPARTMENT
LABORATOIRES GALDERMA – Z.I. Galderma – 74540 ALBY-SUR-CHÉRAN – FRANCE
DIELINES
NOTICE VERSO 180×315 PLAN n° MT.09.DRA.0352.R02.2 If you use more Acnecide 10% gel than you should or accidentally swallow the gel
- If you should accidentally use too much gel, you may find that your skin becomes irritated. Wash off as much as you can, and when the irritation has gone down, start using it again as directed.
- In the rare event that you accidentally swallow any of this product, seek medical advice. If you forget to use Acnecide 10% gel
- Do not worry if you forget to use your gel at the right time. When you remember, start using the product again, in the same way as before. In other words, do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Severe allergic reactions have occurred in a small number of people but their frequency is not known. STOP using Acnecide 10% gel and tell your doctor immediately if you develop a severe allergic reaction. Signs of severe allergic reactions may include:
- Raised and itchy rash (hives)
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or mouth (angioedema), having difficulty in breathing
- Fainting Acnecide 10% gel may also cause the following side effects: If your skin becomes severely irritated, or severe redness, itching or peeling of the skin occurs, or if you experience facial swelling, stop use immediately and consult your doctor or pharmacist straight away. Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
- Peeling of the skin
- Burning sensation of the skin Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Itching of the skin (pruritus)
- Pain of the skin (pain, stinging)
- Skin irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Allergic contact dermatitis (redness, inflammation, bumps, dry and cracked, or a burn-like rash on the skin at the site of exposure). These symptoms are usually reversible if the treatment is reduced in frequency or stopped. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk) or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Acnecide 10% gel
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. After first opening the tube, use the medicine within 3 months.
- Do not store above 25°C.
- Store the closed tube away from direct heat. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Acnecide 10% gel contains The active substance is benzoyl peroxide. Every gram of Acnecide 10% gel contains 100 mg (10%) benzoyl peroxide (as hydrous benzoyl peroxide). The other ingredients are docusate sodium, disodium edetate, poloxamer, carbomer, propylene glycol (E1520), acrylates copolymer, glycerol, colloidal anhydrous silica, purified water and sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH. What Acnecide 10% gel looks like and contents of the pack Acnecide 10% gel is a white to off-white gel. It is available in tubes of 30g and 40g from your pharmacist. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder: Galderma (UK) Limited, Evergreen House North, Grafton Place, London, NW1 2DX, UK Tel: 0300 3035674 E-mail: [email protected] PL 10590/0074 Manufacturer: Laboratoires Galderma, ZI- Montdésir, 74540 Alby-sur-Chéran, France. This leaflet was last revised in May 2025.
P202640-0
7. General advice for people with acne
- Try not to touch your face too much and do not pick or squeeze your spots as this can make them worse.
- Cleanse your skin and remove make-up with a mild cleanser and water, or an oil-free soap substitute. When cleansing your skin scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin and make your acne worse. Remember, poor washing does not cause blackheads.
- Baths and showers should not be too hot as this can strip skin of its natural oils and may make acne worse.
- Skin should always be moisturised following cleansing and after applying any treatments as some products can cause drying and redness of the affected skin.
- If you use make up, choose products that are oil-free or water-based. Products that are labelled as being 'non-comedogenic' (should not cause blackheads or whiteheads) or non-acnegenic (should not cause acne), are less likely to make acne worse.
- If you go out in the sun, use a sunscreen. Choose products labelled as oil-free, water based or non-comedogenic, to avoid clogging pores.
- Shave carefully. If you shave, you can try both electric and safety razors to see which works best. With safety razors, use a sharp blade. Also, it helps to soften your beard with soap and water before putting on shaving cream. Shave lightly and only when you have to.
Product code: P202640-0 Product description: ACNECIDE 10 GEL 30 Market: GB Article: Leaflet Flat size: 180×315 Font size: 9 pt Fold size: 180×26,25 Pharmacode: 2675
PMS 432U
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Guillaume ANDRÉ INDUSTRIALIZATION DEPARTMENT
LABORATOIRES GALDERMA – Z.I. Galderma – 74540 ALBY-SUR-CHÉRAN – FRANCE
DIELINES
Frequently asked questions about Acnecide 10% w/w Gel
How do I take Acnecide 10% w/w Gel?
Acnecide 10% w/w Gel comes as gel. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Acnecide 10% w/w Gel?
The active substance in Acnecide 10% w/w Gel is benzoyl peroxide.
Are there equivalent medicines to Acnecide 10% w/w Gel?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Acnecide 5% w/w Gel, Acnecide Face 2.5% w/w Gel, Acnecide Face 5% w/w Gel. In total there are 5 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Acnecide 10% w/w Gel, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Acnecide 10% w/w Gel without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: benzoyl peroxide
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Topical therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Acnecide 10% w/w Gel is indicated in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
For external use only.
Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over:
Before each application, the skin should be cleaned and dried. The gel should be applied in a thin layer once daily or as directed to the affected areas. The extent of any drying or peeling may be adjusted by modifying the dosage schedule.
It is recommended to initiate the treatment with benzoyl peroxide 2.5 or 5% gel. In case adequate results are not achieved with the 5% gel and the 5% gel is well tolerated, the treatment with benzoyl peroxide 10% gel may be started.
Paediatric population:
The safety and efficacy of Acnecide 10% w/w Gel in children aged less than 12 years have not been established.
Method of administration:
Acnecide is indicated for external (dermatological) use only.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
For external use only.
Acnecide may cause swelling and blistering of the skin, if any of these symptoms occur, this medication has to be discontinued.
A mild burning sensation will probably be felt on first application and some reddening and peeling of the skin will occur within a few days. During the first weeks of treatment a sudden increase in peeling will occur in most patients. This is not harmful and will normally subside within a day or two if treatment is temporarily discontinued. If severe irritation occurs, patients should be directed to use the medication less frequently, to temporarily discontinue use or to discontinue use altogether.
Patients should be advised that excessive application will not improve efficacy, but may increase the risk of skin irritation.
Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a possible cumulative irritancy may occur, which sometimes may be severe, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents.
Benzoyl peroxide gel should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes. If the preparation enters the eye, wash thoroughly with water. Caution should be exercised when applying the drug to the neck and other sensitive areas.
As Acnecide may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, sunlamps should not be used and deliberate or prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV radiation should be avoided or minimised. When strong sunlight cannot be avoided, patients should be advised to use a sun-protection product with a protection factor of at least SPF 30 and UVA protection and wear protective clothing.
Contact with any coloured material including hair and dyed fabrics may result in bleaching or discoloration.
Due to the risk of sensitisation, benzoyl peroxide gel should not be applied on damaged skin.
This medicinal product contains 40 mg of propylene glycol (E1520) in each gram, which is equivalent to 4.0% w/w. It may cause skin irritation.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interaction studies have been performed; however, drugs with desquamative, irritant and drying effects should not be used concurrently with benzoyl peroxide gel.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There is no safety concern relating to the effects of cutaneously applied benzoyl peroxide on teratogenicity, embryotoxicity, or peri- and post- natal development from animal data. In widespread clinical use for the cutaneous treatment of acne vulgaris, at concentrations up to 10% w/w for several decades, benzoyl peroxide has never been associated with such effects. Acnecide should only be used by a pregnant woman if clearly needed.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether benzoyl peroxide/metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the new-borns/infants cannot be excluded. Caution should be exercised when benzoyl peroxide is administered to a nursing woman and the preparation should not be applied on the chest to avoid accidental transfer to the infant.
Fertility
There is no safety concern relating to the effects of cutaneously applied benzoyl peroxide on reproductive function or fertility from animal data. In widespread clinical use for the cutaneous treatment of acne vulgaris, at concentrations up to 10% w/w for several decades, benzoyl peroxide has never been associated with such effects.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Acnecide Gel has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8. Undesirable effects
The adverse reactions resulting from clinical trials are all skin disorders. They are reversible when treatment is reduced in frequency or discontinued.
The following categories are used to indicate the frequency of occurrence of adverse effects:
Very common (≥1/10)
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100)
Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Very rare (<1/10,000)
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data).
They are presented in the table below:
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Very common (≥1/10)
Dry skin
Erythema
Skin exfoliation (peeling)
Skin burning sensation
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Pruritus
Pain of skin (pain, stinging),
Skin irritation (irritant contact dermatitis)
Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100)
Allergic contact dermatitis
Swelling of the face and allergic reactions, including application site hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis (frequency not known) have been reported during post-marketing surveillance.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website at: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk - or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Benzoyl peroxide gel is a preparation indicated for topical treatment only. If the medication is applied excessively, no more rapid or better results will be obtained and severe irritation might develop. In this event, treatment must be discontinued and appropriate symptomatic therapy should be instituted.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Acnecide 10% w/w Gel. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.